When three candidates appeared on Elm Springs’ November 3 mayoral ballot, the results produced a clear first‑place winner but a deadlock for the second spot. Roberta Peters led the field with 567 votes (45.11%). Because she fell short of an outright majority, Arkansas law requires a runoff between the top vote‑getter and the second‑place finisher.
Both Ira Coker and Mark Farmer received exactly 345 votes, creating a tie for the crucial second position. Under Arkansas statutes, a tie for a runoff slot is resolved by a random draw, a procedure rarely used in Washington County.
Random draw determines runoff challenger
Election officials placed ten numbered slips of paper into a bowl and invited each tied candidate to draw one. Coker pulled the number 6, while Farmer drew the number 4. The result means Coker will join Peters in the December 1 runoff election.
“Washington County has never done this before,” said Jennifer Price, Washington County Director of Elections. “Benton County, I believe, has done it one other time for a JP race to determine who went into the runoff.” Her comment underscores the rarity of the method, but also its legality and transparency.
What voters can expect
The upcoming runoff will give Elm Springs residents a chance to choose between Peters, who secured a strong plurality, and Coker, who emerged from the tie‑breaking draw. Both candidates have pledged to focus on community safety, responsible growth, and preserving the small‑town character that many families value.
Voters should receive their runoff ballots by early November, with absentee voting options available through the county clerk’s office. Early voting locations will be announced on the Washington County website, and the county will continue to follow state‑mandated COVID‑19 safety protocols at polling places.
Why the process matters
While some may view a random draw as an unusual way to decide an election, Arkansas law provides clear guidance for tie situations, ensuring that no candidate is arbitrarily excluded. The transparent, public nature of the draw reinforces confidence in the electoral system and upholds the principle that every vote counts.
Local officials encourage all eligible voters to participate in the December 1 runoff, emphasizing that the outcome will shape Elm Springs’ leadership for the next two years. The city council, public works department, and local schools all look to the mayor’s office for guidance on budgeting, development, and community initiatives.
For more information on voting locations, absentee ballot requests, and the candidates’ platforms, residents can visit the Washington County Election Services website or contact the Elm Springs City Hall.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
